raw_ref<T>

raw_ref<T> is a non-null smart pointer for C++ references, providing Use-after-Free (UaF) protection identical to raw_ptr<T>. Think of it as a combination of std::reference_wrapper and raw_ptr.

See raw_ptr.md for details on the underlying MiraclePtr protection.

Usage

Use raw_ref<T> for class members where you would normally use T&. It enforces that the reference is never null.

Key Differences from Native References

Rebinding

Unlike T&, a mutable raw_ref<T> can be reassigned:

• const raw_ref<T>: Reference cannot be rebound.
• const raw_ref<const T>: Read-only reference; cannot be rebound.

Use After Move

raw_ref<T> will safely abort if accessed after being moved.

Traits

raw_ref<T, Traits> supports the same RawPtrTraits (e.g., kMayDangle) as raw_ptr. See the RawPtrTraits section in raw_ptr.md.